December Garden Checklist for Houston: A Winter Guide

December is one of the most enjoyable months to garden in Houston. While much of the country shuts down for winter, our Gulf Coast climate stays mild enough for planting, refreshing beds, and planning for the months ahead. For students, staff, and community gardeners connected with Rice, this is a perfect moment to slow down, tend the soil, and prepare the landscape for a vibrant spring.

Cool-season vegetables take center stage this time of year. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, mustard, and lettuce thrive in the cooler temperatures and grow quickly once established. Root crops such as radishes, carrots, and beets handle the changing weather well, and winter herbs like cilantro and parsley flourish with minimal care. Adding a small layer of compost to raised beds or containers boosts nutrient levels and supports steady growth through January and February.

Winter color is another highlight of the season. Pansies, violas, snapdragons, dianthus, and alyssum offer cheerful blooms that hold up beautifully during cooler nights. Ornamental kale and cabbage, with their intricate leaf patterns, provide eye-catching structure in both campus beds and home gardens. These hardy plants brighten outdoor spaces when many warm-season flowers have finished for the year.

December is also an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs. Cooler air combined with warm soil encourages strong root development before the heat returns. Native choices—such as live oak, yaupon holly, cedar elm, and American beautyberry—support local biodiversity and require less water over time. Winter is equally ideal for tidying up: clearing spent plants, removing weeds before they spread, and refreshing mulch around garden beds helps protect roots during occasional cold snaps.

Planning for spring is a quieter but valuable part of December gardening. This is a good time to sketch planting layouts, order seeds, and think through crop rotations or design updates. Observing winter wildlife can inspire these plans, migratory birds, beneficial insects, and pollinators still rely on our green spaces, especially those planted with native species.

With a little attention now, Houston gardens will be ready to burst into life when warmer weather returns.

Contact us today for a winter refresh!

713-868-2528

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